Lining the East Coast are small and charming shore towns that have colonial and timeless looking architecture, and many picturesque locations. These towns are now deemed as “Coastal Grandma” online due to the slow, simple lifestyle that many of the citizens live. Being known for incredible, fresh seafood, and subtle luxurious boutiques, these towns are now becoming prime vacation spots for a weekend trip. Whether you crave an outdoorsy, lowkey weekend in a place such as Maine, or an upscale, charming one in the Hamptons, all of these coastal towns provide different experiences yet being so similar.
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The Hamptons have a reputation of being a high exclusive town, for those who are wealthy. In reality, the Hamptons are an accessible town for everybody. The Long Island Rail Road is an easy to inexpensive way to get from busy city, to the tranquil town. Whether you are there for a day or a weekend trip, there are plenty of things you can do to keep a jam packed itinerary.
The most important way to start your morning is to check out a local cafe and grab a coffee and some pastries. That way you are properly fueled for the long day of activities that you planned.
Some of the best local places to check out are:
After a filling breakfast, you could make your way down Newton Lane and indulge in some window shopping at all of the designer stores. These stores are all in the colonial, shore house buildings adding to the coastal grandma aesthetic. After wandering around and exploring the town, you should take a pit stop to Amber Waves, which is a fresh produce stand. Here you can grab a few snacks before making your way to Main Beach. This is one of the many beach access points in East Hampton, but this one is free access. If you have some extra time and need an activity, the Hamptons are filled with vineyards, and there are plenty of tours that can show you the wide variety.
After a long beach day, and lots of walking you may have built up an appetite. There are plenty of places in East Hampton to grab dinner, with a nice view. Bostwick Chowder House, and Camp Rubirosa are two great options. Although, there are many great restaurants in neighboring towns such as Sundays on The Bay in Hampton, or Cowfish in Montauk!
Located on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Portsmouth is a hidden gem of a town. If you find yourself driving up to Maine, or down to Boston, this town is a perfect place to stop for a few hours. Despite it being a small area, it offers a lot, and is a great place to spend a day. Driving is ideal to get to Portsmouth as parking is cheap and inexpensive.
After finding a parking spot, you should start your day up in Market Square. Places such as Cup of Joe Cafe & Bar, The Works Cafe, and Lovebirds Donuts are perfect for grabbing a quick drink and snack. From there you will be greeted with a wide variety of small businesses and boutiques, such as:
After doing some damage in the shops, you can make your way over to Prescott Park. In the spring and summer it is filled with colorful flowers, making it a relaxing and scenic place to sit and unwind in the sun. Moreover, as you walk down the paths in the parks you will find the Portsmouth Love Wall, which is a spin on the Paris Padlocks of Love.
If walking is not your thing, that is okay! Portsmouth offers many different bike rental tours, which you can do with a guide or on your own. This tour will take you to all the historical aspects of the town that you may not be able to find on your own. One of the major historical parts of the town is Strawberry Banke, which is a museum that shows you how the neighborhood has evolved in the span of 350 years.
Massachusetts is arguably home to the birthplace of the coastal grandma, and granddaughter aesthetic. The colonial buildings, slow paced lifestyle, and the light breezy fashion are what makes the aesthetic so appealing to many. Despite the aesthetics of Nantucket, the city is also rich in history. The best way to learn about the city, while seeing every bit of it, is by going on a history walk. Moreover it also leads to finding more areas you want to further explore in a different way.
New England is home to many, many lighthouses. It's a staple to the region. All of them are so different, but so similar, but all of them are picturesque. There are many that you should take the time to see:
The Bluff Walk in Sconset, also takes you past some of these lighthouses, and many cottages too.
Whether you choose to stay in a hotel in town, or rent an airbnb a bit outside of town, one thing you are going to want to do is go to a beach. Nobadeer Beach, and Surfside Beach are two great options to consider. Grabbing food from a local pizzeria, Fusaro, or a market such as Barlett’s Farm can help create a picnic on the beach!
Shopping here is a must! If you are trying to channel your inner coastal grandma checking out the stores Erika Wilson and Ralph Lauren are must do’s when on the island. To end your day, you need to stop at Cisco’s. This place offers a wide variety of food trucks, which can fulfill any craving, and also has live music.
Located in the Southern part of Maine, Kennebunkpot is one of the many coastal grandma towns located in this region. The town is small, walkable, and has a wide variety of beaches, and restaurants to try. Getting a hotel in the center of town is ideal, due to how everything else is in close proximity. The Boathouse, and The Kennebunkport Inn are two great places to check out. The town is filled with countless trinket shops and boutiques which let you find unique, one of a kind souvenirs to bring home with you.
One thing you may not know about Maine is that they have incredible food. Everybody knows they are home to the best lobster rolls in all of the country, but they also excel in whoopie pies, and have the freshest blueberries as well. With having an overwhelming amount of food options, the best way to cover all of it is by booking a food tour. Not only are they short in time, meaning you still have the rest of the day to explore, but you also get to try things from the hidden gems that the locals only know about.
Maine is a very outdoorsy state, so be prepared to spend alot of time outside! There are some must see places, with great views and optimal relaxation:
